| Target | IL-18 |
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| Product Type | Cytokine |
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| Species Reactivity | Human |
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| Formulation | 25 µg of lyophilized human IL-18 |
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| Research Area | Immunology, Cytokine & Growth Factors |
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| Description/Background | Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is an 18-kDa
cytokine which identified as a costimulatory factor for
production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in response to toxic
shock and shares functional similarities with IL-12. IL-18
is synthesized as a precursor 24-kDa molecule without a
signal peptide and must be cleaved to produce an active
molecule. IL-1 converting enzyme (ICE, Caspase-1)
cleaves pro-IL-18 at aspartic acid in the P1 position,
producing the mature, bioactive peptide that is readily
released from the cells. It is reported that IL-18 is produced
from Kupffer cells, activated macrophages, keratinocytes,
intestinal epithelial cells, osteoblasts, adrenal cortex cells
and murine diencephalon. IFN-γ is produced by activated T
or NK cells and plays critical roles in the defense against
microbial pathogens. IFN-γ activates macrophages and
enhances NK activity and B cell maturation, proliferation
and Ig secretion. IFN-γ also induces expression of MHC
class I and II antigens and inhibits osteoclast activation.
IL-18 acts on T helper type-1 (Th1) T cells and in
combination with IL-12 strongly induces them to produce
IFN-γ. Pleiotropic effects of IL-18 have also been reported,
such as, enhancement production of IFN-γ and GM-CSF in
peripheral blood mononuclear cells, production of Th1
cytokines, IL-2, GM-CSF and IFN-γ in T cells,
enhancement of Fas ligand expression by Th1 cells. |
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| Storage Temperature | This product is stable for 24 months from the date of manufacture when store at -20°C or below. After reconstitution, avoid repeated freezing and thawing. The IL-18 can be stored for 1 week at 4°C. For storage, prepare appropriate aliquots and freeze them at -80°C using low retention tube. |
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| Molecular Weight | 18 kDa |
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| Purity | Greater than 90% purity as confirmed on SDS-PAGE by Coomassie brilliant blue staining |
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| Endotoxin levels | Less than 0.1 ng per 1 µg of recombinant human IL-18 protein, when measured by the LAL assay. |
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| Regulatory Statement | For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. |
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